Indian-born doctor avoids deportation in visa deal

An Indian-born doctor convicted of sexually assaulting a patient while working at a Perth hospital has walked free from an immigration detention centre in Perth.

Suhail Durani, 36, had been held at the centre since his release from Casuarina prison in February, where he served more than 18 months jail for indecently assaulting a patient at Royal Perth Hospital.

He was taken to the centre on the day he left Casuarina after federal immigration authorities terminated his visa.

Durani then lodged an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to fight the deportation order, arguing he should not be separated from his family.

In its review of the decision, the tribunal ruled the doctor should be allowed to keep his visa.

It stated if he was deported to India, his four-year-old son's social, emotional and general wellbeing would be substantially affected.

The tribunal said it "has no doubt that cancellation of the visa is not in the best interests of the child."

The review also included a statement from his wife, Falaq.

In it, she said every night before her son went to sleep he would ask her, "Are we going to see daddy tomorrow?"

Mrs Durani said she was afraid if her husband did not stay in Australia it would be traumatic for her family.

The tribunal also found it's "most unlikely" Durani would commit any serious offence again.

Durani says he is happy to be reunited with his family.

"It means a lot to me, it's essentially everything for me, to be with my son, with my wife, to be able to be a part of their life, and to see my son growing up and be with him," he said.

"It's been more than two years since I've been home, it's an emotional process, it will take time to settle in."

Durani says he is seeking legal advice about whether he can appeal against his conviction.

"My intention is to pursue special leave to the High Court against my conviction," he said.

"Even though I was incarcerated during my prison time I had a lot of support, personal letters so I'm hopeful that the community will accept me, as a person, even though I've got a conviction."

His registration as a doctor in Western Australia lapsed while he was in detention.

Durani says he plans to ask the medical board for his registration to be renewed.